24.03.2026 08:01
As the war between the US-Israel and Iran continues on its 25th day, the fate of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, which was hit by Iran and had its fire extinguished after 30 hours, has been revealed. The US Navy announced that the giant ship is under maintenance and repair at the Souda Naval Base in Greece.
In a statement made by the U.S. Navy Europe-Africa/Sixth Fleet, it was confirmed that the USS Gerald R. Ford is located at Souda Naval Base on the island of Crete and is undergoing repairs.
"BROUGHT IN ON MARCH 23"
The statement included, "USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) arrived at Souda Bay Naval Support Activities Base for maintenance and repair on March 23, 2026, following its operations in the Red Sea."
REPAIR AND SUPPLY DETAILS
The statement noted that the aircraft carrier fully maintained its operational capability, and this port visit allowed for the efficient assessment, repair, and resupply of the ship. It was also stated that the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group continues its overseas mission.
The Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported on March 17 that the "USS Gerald R. Ford" aircraft carrier would be heading to the Souda Naval Base on the island of Crete next week.
FIRE REPORTED
The U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, under the Central Command, announced on March 12 that a fire had broken out in the laundry section of the USS Gerald R. Ford due to a technical malfunction.
In a written statement made on March 16 by the Hatemu'l Enbiya Central Headquarters, the unit conducting retaliatory actions of the Iranian Armed Forces, it was stated that the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, which approached near the port of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, posed a threat and that all logistics and service centers in the Red Sea are now considered legitimate targets for the Iranian Armed Forces.
"FIRE ON BOARD LASTED MORE THAN 30 HOURS"
The New York Times claimed that the fire on board lasted more than 30 hours. The report suggested that more than 600 sailors and crew members, whose beds were damaged in the fire, have been sleeping on the ground and on tables since that day.